Leicester man arrested in Dumpster fires

WORCESTER — Police arrested one man and are looking for another in connection with a string of Dumpster fires set earlier this week.

Brian Sampson, 26, of 38 Siani Road, Leicester, was arrested at his home Thursday, and after an interview with investigators at police headquarters he was charged with four counts of willful and malicious destruction of property and arson. He was arraigned in District Court today; a dangerousness hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, police said.

Police are also looking for John Shyllberg, 29, address unknown. An arrest warrant has been issued for his arrest on four counts of willful and malicious destruction of property and arson.

Firefighters went to Standard Auto Wrecking at 257 Granite St. about 10:10 Tuesday for a Dumpster fire; two additional Dumpster fires were reported on Granite Street soon after; the third fire involved two Dumpsters at Holy Name High School.

Police said investigators received a tip Thursday with information on the fires.

Police said anyone with information on Mr. Shyllberg's whereabouts can send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD + your message or you can leave an anonymous Web-based message at worcesterma.gov/police. Calls can be made to the Detective Bureau at (508) 799-8651.

Firefighters have been busy with a string of recent outside fires. Late last week firefighters went to Kansas Street and Pitt Street, where a vehicle, a Dumpster, and pallets were on fire outside local businesses. The weekend before, firefighters battled Dumpster fires in the Lincoln Plaza and Stop & Shop Plaza areas.

Police did not link Mr. Sampson and Mr. Shyllberg to additional Dumpster fires that occurred in that area Tuesday night, and did not tie them to a three-alarm blaze that destroyed the warehouse and distribution building at Gibson's Dairy Farm on Sunderland Road, which also isn't far from Granite Street.

However, they said they continue to investigate whether the pair are responsible for other Dumpster fires in the area.